Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

On the other end of the line, Megan stepped onto the balcony. She losed the soundproof door behind her and looked down at the empty backyard while a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I'm afraid. But you won't be." People who couldn't obtain what they wanted always looked the most pathetic. She had already handed Caleb an opportunity on a silver platter and did not believe he would refuse it. Inside the car, Caleb started the engine. His gaze sharpened. "I'll ask one more time. Where are you?" His patience was nothing like the rumors suggested.

He had no interest in games. Megan remained unhurried. She rested one hand on the railing. "Where I am does not matter. What matters is that I left the antidote at the Hampton estate." "The old estate?" His reaction flickered with surprise. She laughed lightly. "Yes, the old estate. Mr. Hampton, I'll give you a friendly reminder. This is your last chance to win back what you lost." Her manicured finger tapped the railing. Her tone had an almost cheerful lift. "Opportunities don't wait." She was about to hang up when Caleb cut straight through her theatrics.

"What do you gain from this?" 'Gain?' A flash of hard malice slid through Megan's eyes. 'There are plenty of gains, far too many to speak aloud.' "If Sydney gets back together with you, the space beside Julian opens up," she answered without hesitation. She had never bothered to hide her motives regarding Julian. Caleb had heard hints of them before. He gave a humorless smile. "That space was empty for years. Yet I never saw you capable of filling it." The mockery in his voice hit her deepest sore spot. Rage shot up her spine. She drew a sharp breath to retaliate, but the line cut off.

always looked down on her. They poured their time and effort into searching for Vivian. It was always Vivian. After so many years all they cared about was Vivian. Even an outsider like Caleb thought she could not compare to Sydney. Other than the

would not need to compare herself to a dead woman for long. Back in the ward, Sydney sat beside the bed and called the research institute for an update. When she ended the call, she felt a faint, persistent gaze brushing over her. She turned and caught Julian staring straight at her. "Why are you looking at me?" He replied without shame. "Just looking." In recent weeks, he had noticed how much she had grown. At